Student Spotlight: Ryan VanDusen

Ryan VanDusenMajor: Engineering

While Ryan VanDusen admits there's a lot more to learn about his chosen field of study,
the Engineering student is definitely on the right track.

During his first year at College of DuPage, VanDusen entered Pathways to Engineering
at Illinois, a rigorous 2+2 program that provides guaranteed admission to the University
of Illinois’ highly competitive College of Engineering. He headed there in 2013 and
said COD prepared him well.

“The academic experience at COD is tough, but I enjoyed it. My teachers, and especially
the engineering program, were very good,” said VanDusen, who credits his Engineering
professor, David Smith, with helping him manage the pressures that come with college
life. “The first year I was really stressed on and off. I never really had to study
until I came here, and Dave helped me a lot with that. He’s just really mellow and
tells you like it is.”

The COD Presidential Scholar is majoring in Agricultural Engineering, specializing
in off-road equipment design. In 2014, he interned with Case IH as part of the planter
group, gaining real-world experience while making connections within the industry.
He will graduate with his bachelor’s in 2015 and will begin the job search.

VanDusen said he is ready for the challenges ahead.

“COD is a nice pathway, maturing-wise. Between the ages of 18 and 20, that’s a big
difference,” he said. “I’m definitely glad I made this choice.”

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the College of DuPage Foundation, Center of Entrepreneurship and WorkNet Force. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.